Duane "Kozzie" Albert Koslakiewicz

Duane Albert Koslakiewicz (Kozzie), 87, of Duluth died Tuesday, Dec 19^th at Elysian with his family by his side. Duane was born Dec 4, 1936, in Duluth to Edwin and Eleanor Koslakiewicz. He graduated from Duluth Central and UMD.  He met Shirley Kujawa, and they were married on June 21, 1958. Duane served his country as a Marine and a member of the 148th Air Guard for over 30 years. He also worked for Northern Pacific Railway and then the City of Duluth as a Civil Engineer until his retirement in 1999. He played and refereed football, receiving a 70 year member watch. Duane was a member of Tri State, Twin Ports & Great Lakes Football Officiating Associations. He taught snowmobile safety & 55 alive driver’s safety classes. He enjoyed the YMCA, golfing, and snowmobiling. Most of all, Duane loved spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Edwin & Eleanor, his sister: Carol (Elwood) Youngberg, and his wife of 65 years: Shirley in August.

Duane is survived by his daughters: Kim Koslakiewicz, Tammy (Gary) Lincoln, and Sherri Donaldson; grandchildren: Kelly (Randy) Tietz, Sarah (Jon) Rau, Brett Lincoln, and Katie (Michael) Skaw; great grandchildren: Jacob, Makayla, Calvin, Edison, Autumn, Evelyn, and Tyler; his siblings: Barb (Daryl) Jakubek and Dave (Nancy) Koslakiewicz. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Dec 27^th beginning at 10am with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am at St. Joseph’s Church, 151 Linden St, Duluth, MN. Military honors accorded by Duluth Honor Guard to follow. Burial at the Polish Catholic Cemetery. The family encourages you to wear Bulldog apparel. Sign the online register book at: www.dfhduluth.com.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2^nd St. Duluth, MN, (218) 727-3555.